Acorns taste like a cross between hazelnuts and sunflower seeds and were nearly as important a food to Native Americans as corn, squash and beans.

Cherokee, Apache, Pima, Ojibwa, and most all other Native Americans tribes across the oak growing North and South America routinely harvested and used acorn nuts from oak trees and they taught early settlers how to harvest and use acorns, corn and other traditional foods too. Submitted by: VEHAMILTON1

This hearty side dish includes pine nuts, which are a waist slimming MUFA. As a side dish, halve each half to yield 8 servings. Also yummy all by itself as a complete meatless meal! You can reduce the calorie count if you leave out the cheese or use reduced fat cheese, and it still tastes great!Submitted by: KKS5369

It's getting to be late autumn and it's time to take advantage of those winter squashes. One of my favorites is the acorn squash. I also wanted something a little different so I made up this vegetarian chorizo stuffed squash.Submitted by: TIMOTHYNOHE

I cut some caloric corners. Almond milk instead of heavy cream. Super light cheese instead of Gruyere. Acorn squash to help add more nutrients than traditional Gratin. Thoroughly scrubbed potatoes and squash so the skin could be left intact. Submitted by: CAROLINE1000

Autumn is a wonderful food season. Squash are easy to come by and inexpensive. I bought a squash even though I was staying where there was a kitchenette with a microwave. I was not sure how I was going to cook it. But it was easy and the results absolutely delicious. I added honey and low-sodium curry powder and voila!

You do not have to buy special, more expensive curry powder to find a low-sodium variety. Homemade curry powder is simple to make. Simply read all the curry powder labels at your favorite Asian grocery until you find the curry with the lowest sodium count. The Spice Hunter also makes a great curry powder with no added salt.

When you open the squash, scoop out the seeds and put them aside to prepare for a crunchy treat. Those instructions are not included here.Submitted by: _MAOMAO_

I was at the store and couldn't resist buying some beautiful squash while I was there. DBF loves pies so I made him this special treat. It was very well recieved and I can't wait to make this during Christmas when I go home to see my family. It takes a long time to make, but it is worth it. I hope to upload a photo before it's all gone. Submitted by: MARTYRED4LOVE